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The victim picked up a knife to defend herself, but Sargent grabbed it from her and held the tip against the teen’s throat.

They eventually left the house together, with Sargent stashing the knife in the waistband of his trousers, before the teenager managed to get free and raise the alarm.

The court was told of Sargent’s criminal record which includes nine convictions for 15 offences such as criminal damage, common assault, robbery and aggravated vehicle taking, as well as the attack in Coventry.

Antonie Muller, speaking in mitigation, said that during Sargent’s eight-year stint in prison he was turned down for parole every year.

Following his eventual release, he was, however, compensated around £6,000 for being held for such a long sentence, which Mr Muller said kept him “held in limbo”.

The barrister added: “There should have been a very good release package and structure for him, but there simply wasn’t.

“He was just let out like an ordinary prisoner.”

Mr Muller said that Sargent has “real illnesses” including regressive disorders and ADHD, and “none of that was treated during his incarceration or catered for on his release”.

Sargent will serve two-thirds of his sentence in prison before he is even considered for parole.

If he is released, the rest of the sentence will be served on licence.